Angry Democratic Delegates Booed As The Party Added 'God' And Support Of Jerusalem To The Platform

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Democrats added mentions of the word "God" and recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital today in a testy vote that left angry delegates booing on the floor.

It took three votes to pass the resolution in what was an extremely tense and divided vote. The first two votes failed, but DNC chairman Antonio Villaraigosa declared that the resolution had passed by a two-thirds majority on the third vote.

"I heard a lot from the other side," said Kenneth McClintock, a superdelegate and Secretary of State of Puerto Rico. McClintock said Puerto Rico supported the resolution.

"I was surprised" that the vote was so testy, he added.

Republicans had blasted the Democrats' original platform, which had taken out mentions of "God" and did not affirm Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

And many delegates thought that the platform change was a direct response to some of the backlash, prompting some to worry that it will be more fodder for Republicans in the final months of the campaign.

"Conservatives are always going to criticize Democrats for not supporting Israel or not being religious enough, or whatever it is that day," said Brandon Cooper, a delegate from Texas.

On cue, the Romney campaign released a statement from spokeswoman Andrea Saul:

“Mitt Romney has consistently stated his belief that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Although today’s voice vote at the Democratic National Convention was unclear, the Democratic Party has acknowledged Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. President Obama has repeatedly refused to say the same himself. Now is the time for President Obama to state in unequivocal terms whether or not he believes Jerusalem is Israel’s capital.”